SIES College of Management Studies Exams
The PGDM Pharma and PGDM Biotech courses are considered as one, hence one applying to only these two courses needs to pay INR 2,000 only for registration.
Just like a majority of B-schools out there, SIES College of Management Studies accepts scores of multiple entrance exams for its PGDM admissions. The college does not conduct its own entrance exam; it accepts the following exam scores: CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAH-MBA CET and MAT.
Selection Criteria for MBA
There is no explicitly stated cut-off for these exams by the college, however, a candidate having a higher score is bound to have a better chance of converting an interview call. For the academic session 2022-23, SIES has divided the selection process into the following rounds: Group Discussion & Personal Interviews (45%), past academic scores (10%) and work experience (5%). Hence, it becomes imperative for one to score well (preferably at least 80 percentile) to stand a good chance of securing admission.
The final selection of a candidate entirely depends upon his/her performance in the multiple rounds, which consist of the MBA entrance exam scores, Group Discussion (GD), Group Interview, and a Personal Interview (PI). For the academic batch 2022-24, the registration start date was Jan 15, 2022; the application fee was INR 2,000 per PGDM program. If a candidate applies for more than one program, the fees become INR 3,000. However, the PGDM Pharma and PGDM Biotech courses are considered as one course, hence one applying to only these two courses needs to pay INR 2,000 only.
Q: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Q: How to prepare for CAT?
Preparing for the Common Admission Test CAT can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and study plan, it is possible to succeed.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for CAT:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT thoroughly. The exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
- Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that works best for you. Allocate time for each section, and include time for revision, practice tests, and solving previous year's question papers.
- Strengthen Your Basics: CAT is a test of your fundamental concepts in Mathematics, English and Logical Reasoning. Hence, focus on building a strong foundation by revising and practicing the basic concepts.
- Read and Analyze: To improve your Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, start reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Analyze the content, style, and tone of the passages to gain a better understanding of the language.
- Practice Regularly: Practice is the key to success in CAT. Solve as many practice tests and previous year's question papers as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and build your speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: CAT is a time-bound exam, and time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to build your speed and accuracy.
- Join a Coaching Institute: If you find it challenging to prepare for CAT on your own, consider joining a coaching institute that offers specialised coaching for CAT. They will provide you with a structured study plan, guidance, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.
Remember, consistency, and dedication are key to success in CAT. Keep practicing and working hard, and you will achieve your goal.
Q: How can I prepare for MAT?
A basic overview of the various MBA entrance exams whose scores are accepted by the college for its academic season 2022-23 is represented in a tabulated manner below:
| Exam Name |
Registration Period (2022) |
Exam Date |
Duration (mins) |
Fees (for General category in INR) |
Result Date |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT |
Aug 4 - Sept 22 |
Nov 28, 2021 |
180 |
2,200 |
Jan 3 |
Tough |
| CMAT |
Feb 16 - Mar 17 |
Apr 9, 2022 |
180 |
2,000 |
Apr 29 |
Moderate |
| XAT |
Aug 10 - Dec 10 |
Jan 2, 2022 |
190 |
1,800 |
Jan 16 |
Tough |
| ATMA |
Mar 1 - May 22 |
May 29, 2022 |
180 |
1,500 |
June 3 |
Easy |
| CET |
Mar 17 - May 11 |
Aug 23-25 |
150 |
1,000 |
Sept 5/6 |
Moderate |
Among these exams, MAT and ATMA are relatively easier than the others due to the low level of difficulty.
Coming to the exams conducted within the college, they are currently conducted online in various ways such as projects, presentations, role plays, objective (MCQs) as well as subjective exams as per the faculty’s preference. Since the college follows a trimester pattern, the final exams in each trimester usually happen in the months of September/October, January and April in any academic year for the three PGDM courses. These exams not only test the academic knowledge of the subject taught but also its application in real-life scenarios.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GD-PI rounds have been happening online. Otherwise, they are usually conducted in various cities such as New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, etc. A typical GD round at SIES College of Management Studies usually comprises a topic that is fictional, philosophical, or non-fictional, which tests a candidate’s thinking, listening, and articulation skills. This round usually lasts for about 30 minutes, with the discussion allotted 10-15 mins, and the remaining time is given to ponder over the topic and its conclusion. The PI round can last anywhere from just five minutes to around thirty minutes depending upon the interviewers as well as the answers provided by the candidate. Knowing everything mentioned in the college’s application form and answering all the questions asked confidently becomes the key to clearing any PI round.
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: How to prepare for the ATMA exam?
Q: Can I prepare for ATMA exam in one month?
Preparing for the ATMA in one month requires a structured plan. In the first two weeks, understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and identify weaknesses through a diagnostic test. In the third week, focus on quantitative, verbal, and analytical reasoning skills. Strengthen basic concepts and practice time management. Week four is crucial for simulated exam conditions; take full-length mock tests, analyze mistakes, and revise key concepts. Prioritize weak areas and enhance vocabulary. In the last days, ensure relaxation, review test-taking strategies, and maintain a positive mindset. While intensive, this condensed plan can be effective with consistent effort and strategic focus on identified weaknesses. Regular mock tests and targeted revision will be essential for building confidence in the limited timeframe.
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
About The Author
Abhishek Desai is studying at the Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. He has interests in writing, outdoor sports and singing.
Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.
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